Holy Saturday

Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 24:1-7

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.”

Reflection

The discovery of the empty tomb and the angelic proclamation, “He is not here but has risen,” marks the triumph of life over death and the fulfilment of the promise of Jesus. This moment of divine revelation transforms the women’s sorrow and confusion into joy and hope. It encourages us to hold fast to the promises of Christ, even in moments of despair and uncertainty. The resurrection assures us that God’s power to bring new life and hope transcends all circumstances, inviting us to live with a renewed sense of purpose and faith.

The angels’ reminder to the women of Jesus’ prophecy about His death and resurrection highlights the importance of remembering and trusting His words. Despite their initial fear and confusion, the women are reassured by recalling Jesus’ teachings. This encourages us to hold fast to the words and promises of Christ, especially during challenging times. By grounding ourselves in His teachings and trusting in His faithfulness, we can navigate life’s uncertainties with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding even when we cannot see it clearly.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

Lord, grant me, I pray thee in the name of Jesus Christ thy Son, my God, that love which knows no fall, so that my lamp may feel the kindling touch and know no quenching, may burn for me and for others may give light.

– Saint Columbanus

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.